I'm to old to be particularly good but I find the best way to learn is to get my ass kicked and learn from what other folks do.
I find that against the CPU sometimes it just decides it's going to beat your ass so I only play humans now, when you get a game on all-star where Lundqvist gives up 7 goals on 11 shots it just killed my desire.
(Although some nights this season that's not been unrealistic lol)